Line-up and predictions?

It seems very quiet on here and with the news regarding injuries I want to see line-ups based on the following assumptions...

Barton is available
Ranger is available
Jonas is injured
Enrique is injured
Ireland is injured
And others like Ben Arfa who were never going to be available.

My line-up would be:

-------------Harper-------------

Simpson---Willo----Colo---Saylor

Barton----Tiote---Nolan--Ferguson

----------Best---Ranger---------

Subs:

Krul
Perch
Campbell
Guthrie
Richardson
Lovenkrands
Ameobi

I would start Taylor left back to give us more of an aerial challenge from set pieces. It is likely that we will have to play someone out of position, so why play Simpson and Saylor out of position? Keep Simpson right back and put Saylor left back. I would also start Ranger as I don't think there is any point in risking Ameobi, I don't see the point in him risking himself. I would chose Ranger over Lovenkrands because he can hold the ball up better and can help out defensively.

With this line-up I'm going to estimate a 1-1 draw. With Ranger finally braking his scoring duck!

Howay the lads!

 

I like the line up but can't ever recall seeing Saylor in the left back position so I'm wary of that.

Perhaps Ferguson at LB with Lovenkrands as left mid?

If Ferguson or Lovenkrands is struggling then perhaps use your line up.

 

I get what your saying, but like last week when we played Simpson left back and Taylor right back when Jose went off. I thought it seemed pointless. We might as well have one player playing in position and the other out of position instead of both being out of position. Also I really hope that Ferguson plays, he has impressed me a lot when given the opportunity.

 

This

 

I reckon we should play 4-5-1. We have the better midfield, we can out play them, and we are much better paced and more creative.

----------------Harper------------------

-Saylor-----Willo------Coloccini--Simpson

Barton---Nolan---Tiote---Guthrie--Ferguson

-----------------Best------------------

 

Is Barton definitely available? I have him in my Fantasy team

 

Not guaranteed, he did train yesterday though.

I dont like playing players out of position too much, especially defensive ones where positioning is very important and a new role takes time to adjust to. I'd play aginairrrr's team but a 5-3-2 so everyone is in position and you are actually better on the wings because you havent got Simpson and/or Taylor on the wrong sides getting all mixed up trying to get forward.

-----------------------Harper
Simpson----Taylor----Williamson----Colo----Ferguson
------------Barton -----Tiote------Nolan
-----------------Ranger-------Best

 

I reckon

----------------Harper------------------

-Saylor-----Willo------Coloccini--Simpson

Barton-----Nolan-----Tiote-----Lovenkrands

----------Ameobi-----Best-------------

Bring Ferguson on at HT or around 60 mins, for me he's still lacking a bit of experience to start. Stoke are very dogged at home but also inconsistent, they lost at the Brittania to Blackpool & Fulham back in December, I think we can take at least a point here.

 

How will he get experience if he doesnt start a few games though? Unless you mean loaning him out first.

 

Shakhtar 3 - 2 Barcelona

 

Yeah ideally he needs to go on loan to the championship and get a good few games under his belt. Although at the minute our squad is so bare-bones we can't afford to be loaning him out. I wouldn't be worried if he did start but I just think for now he should stick to carling cup and 30 minute run-outs.

 

This one.

Saylor as RB or LB doesn't work.

 

Good prediction and I reckon Barca will struggle in the Ukraine.

What about the return leg?

 

they're my nominated CL team! also chipping in on a tenner's bet for them to beat barca
good luck to em!

 

I'd go with this one. Like barnaby says, Saylor doesn't cut the mustard at full back!

 

Harper
Simpson Willo Colo Ferguson
Barton Tiote Nolan Loverman
Best Ameobi

 

Pardew himself has said he is unlikely to start Ferguson, from the Chronicle

Pardew hinted he will opt for experience if Enrique isn’t passed fit, especially with Stoke’s physical style of play certain to test United.

Speaking on the prospects of Northern Ireland international Ferguson getting the nod, he said: “Shane’s an option – he’s a natural left-footer, but he’s got a lot to learn.

“You can pitch in a young player before his time, and he’ll learn more from that experience than playing in a number of reserve games.

“There are no doubts in my mind about Shane over his training, or in that cameo role.”

Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newc...lp-at-left-back-72703-28353023/#ixzz1GyjlOdTr

 

you have earnt my 500th post on here
This is a milestone for me
I go with

-------------Harper-------------

Simpson---Will----Taylor---Colo

Barton----Tiote---Nolan--Lovenkrance

----------Best---Ameobi---------

Subs:

Krul
Perch
Campbell
Guthrie
Richardson
Ferguson
Ranger

 

I reckon 2-1 in the first leg to Shaktar, and 4-1 to Barca at the Camp nou

 

Phil Airey is on the bench ahead of Shola i think